Control TransWorld Surf is mapped very similarly for both the Xbox and PlayStation 2 controllers, which is to say that if you have played Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series, you'll instantly be comfortable and at ease. Every one of the functions from one system is mapped to the corresponding button on the other.

The control functions include jump (ollie), snapturns, stall, floater, dismount, left and right hand grabs, alternate grabs, stand up, duck dive, call reef girl, and move. For instance, the jump button on the PlayStation 2 is Triangle, while it's Y on Xbox. To pull off a snapback on PlayStation 2 you press Circle, while on Xbox it's B, so wherever there is a similarly placed button on the one system, you'll find the move in the same spot on the other. The major difference between the two in button layout is the dismount button, which is the Black or White button on Xbox and Select on PlayStation 2.

When it comes to which game feels better, I have to admit that I always lean toward the PlayStation 2 controller because the Dual Analog controller just feels better in my hand. Overall, the PS2 controller has a better ergonomic design, with better shoulder buttons, and well-placed, symmetrical analog buttons. So, with my opinion, or bias, in mind, understand that in comparing these two, I prefer the PS2 controller.

Still, the Xbox controls feel good and solid, and there is nothing wrong in any way with the controls. Players can easily stand up, surf, and pull off moves with relative ease. Between the two, the Xbox controller is slightly stiffer than the PS2 controls are, and since the game has actually been loosened up on the PlayStation 2 (a deliberate part of the porting process), players going from the Xbox to the PS2 version will find that the PS2 version enables you to pull off way more moves with smoother, more friendly controls. Also, the PS2 version, because the control has been improved in the engine, enables players to execute ollies and aerial moves much easier on the PS2 version. All in all, I can easily say that the PlayStation 2 controls are better, all biases aside, of course.

Verdict: PlayStation 2

Features The differences between the two TransWorld Surf versions are relatively straightforward. The Xbox version doesn't really have any special features the PS2 doesn't, except for the fact that it came out earlier and has better graphics, though the latter is hardly a "feature." OK, that was just to see how many Xbox fanboys I could peeve. Did I hit the big red button on your forehead?

Honestly, the biggest concrete advantage the Xbox version has over the PS2 version is the ability to rip soundtracks. You can rip songs, save them on the Xbox hard drive and play them while surfing. You cannot do that on PS2. However, both games feature the ability to switch songs mid-mission.

By pressing Select players can stop the game, change any one of the songs, or actually listen to and sample songs, and return to the game and continue playing with the new music.

The Xbox version also contains a four-player mode, while the PS2 version only has a two-player version.

Other than that, the benefits clearly rest with the PS2 version. For starters, the PlayStation 2 version has four more characters (Shane Dorian, Shawn "Barney" Barron, Jason "Ratboy" Collins and Christian Fletcher), one more break (Todos Santos, Mexico), more clearly defined goals (icons over character heads, etc.), and an extra multiplayer mode (Shark Attack).

In the menus, the PS2 version gives players Tutorials, a little section that enables gamers a better sense of how to play the game, which was a problem for the general public. The game wasn't easy enough to get to grips with right away, and it was difficult to master.

With regard to options, the PS2 and Xbox games are exactly the same, exact one addition in the PS2 version, the Sony system gives players a control map in the game, instead of just in the manual. No biggie, really.

Taking full advantage of the current craving for extreme sports games created by the TONY HAWK'S PRO SKATER series, TRANSWORLD SURF begins what's sure to be a new dynasty. Choose from 13 professional surfers, and then head out to the waves to show off your cool moves. Fort Point, Huntington, Teahupoo, and Pipeline are among the included environments, and each is graced by amazing graphics. Your Karma Meter is affected by the courteous and not-so-courteous maneuvers you pull, and Bad Karma can get you in a heap of trouble.